ShowMe Elephants: April 2011 ShowMe Elephants Narrating the correlation of elephants as related to their import, groupings, breeding and transfers, along with other elephant related topics. Saturday, April 30, 2011 1949 to 1950 - Rogers Bros. Circus 1952 - Hills Bros. Greater Shows 1954 to 1957 - Ring Bros. Circus 1958 - Trapeze Bros. Circus 1959 to 1960 - Ring Bros. Circus 1961 - Bailey Bros. Circus 1963 to 1965 - Hoxie Bros. Circus 1966 - Beers-Barnes Circus 1967 to 1977 - Hoxie Bros. Circus (No further Records) Hoxie Bros. Circus 1975; The Herriott Family.

Elephants are "Hazel", "Sue" and "Bonnie" Courtesy of bucklesw.blogspot.com Final story A small piece of information found in a 1978 Edition of the publication Circus Report brings to light the final story for Sue. Circus Report, 7th year No 18 Page 5, 04/31/1978 Courtesy of CircusHistory.org "Irene would have been the replacement. While the article is in 1978, the occurrences happened in 1977 apparently late in the year." // Bob Cline This elephant is not listed in the North American Regional Studbook for the Asian Elephant. Update 04/28/2012: More information regarding the death of Sue is found in a November 1977 issue of Circus Report. Circus Report, 6th year No 47 Page 18, 11/21/1977 Courtesy of CircusHistory.org Columbian Park Zoo "We were founded in 1908, we're the second oldest Zoo in the entire state of Indiana. We've housed all sorts of animals here at Columbian Park Zoo.

We had an elephant at one point, we had large primates, we've had bears, we've had mountain lions, we've had all sorts of different animals," said Zookeeper Noah Shields. >> "Little zoo offers big experiences," WLFI.com, 04/24/2011 "In 1928, the main Animal House was constructed, which is still standing today! One of the first inhabitants of the Animal House was "Linco" the elephant, who was purchased from the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in Peru, Indiana. Nearly 10,000 school students in Lafayette and West Lafayette raised more than $2,000 toward the purchase of the elephant, then named "Ruth." Lincoln School students exceeded their school's fund raising quota and earned the honor of renaming the elephant to Linco." 1961 Sheba and Bamboo II standing, unknown elephant laying down. Posted by Wade G. Burck Radar said... Is this the Bamboo owned by Morgan Berry before she was sold to Seattle in 1968? The studbook states she was born in 1966, so this would be unlikely. What is this animal's story?

Is this the Sheba owned by Wallace Brothers in 1961, later a Cristiani elephant before arriving at the Buffalo Zoo in 1984? Wade said... Radar, A Brookfield Zoo staff member mentioned a week or so ago, that their record keeping was shoddy. On it's best day, in the past, a circus's record keeping would have been appreciated if it had been at least shoddy, as I am sure you have found out by now. A treat would have been somebody recording it on a napkin in the cook house. As it's stand's most of it is word of mouth ... Bamboo I, Bamboo II, Bamboo III, Little Bamboo, Bamboo Jr. etc. etc., unless it's name was changed to Sparkle on the Hoot Bros. show for a year, before becoming Big Mable on the Toot Bros. show. That's how you develop the "elephant record book twitch." Your guess is as good as anybody's.

LOL I don't know if you recall Mary Ann chastising me a couple of years ago on the blog, for being cold and heartless when I suggested the captive animal world had missed the boat by not assigning just a number to all animals from the time of capture birth, and only having a insignificant "barn name" for handling by keepers and trainers. Trainers could change it's name a dozen times over it's life, but it would still be #56932, with a name of no consequence,regardless of it's spelling or accented pronunciation, as is done now for the most part. Wade Another possibility for the 'Bamboo II' elephant is an elephant listed in the North American Regional Studbook for the Asian Elephant, 'Bimbo II.' With a Temporary Studbook Number and Lost to Follow-up, she is listed as arriving to Louis Goebel in February 1961, Jungleland in 1962 (a possible redundancy?) and finally to Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, California, in October 1969.

The Father's Photographs - Brookfield Zoo I The following pictures were taken in the late 1980s to early 1990s at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. Records indicate during this time frame the zoo owned six elephants - female Africans Christy, Affie, Mame and Mtoto, along with female Asians Babe and Patience. Patience is easily identified by the warts on her trunk. Babe has a ‘boot’ on her right rear foot. Christy is the youngest of the Africans. It appears the two species were kept in separate yards. Were the yards combined during the renovation, which included removal of the dry moat and installation of a pipe and cable fence? Photo 1, Brookfield Zoo >> "Studbook Mysteries - Firma Ruhe I" at ShowMe Elephants History The Detroit Zoological Society was founded in 1911, 28 years after the first zoo in Detroit began based on a bankrupt circus. Their first zoo opened 17 years later in 1928. This institution was located on Belle Isle on the Detroit River. Through several name and purpose changes, it permanently closed in 2004.

According to the Detroit Zoo, it was the Motor City's only zoo until 1947, upon which time it was converted to a Children's Zoo and its replacement was built in Royal Oak, a suburb of the largest city in Michigan. During this transition, the majority of the wild animals were moved to the secondary location, though some elephants and giraffes were reported to have remained. It is unknown which elephants resided at which location during the several decade period that both locations kept animals. Other sources state the zoo was transferred in 1956, prompting the transition of Belle Isle to a Children's Zoo. "Belle Isle was Detroit's first zoo, a menagerie. In the modern era it was an aquarium and children's zoo. I believe it was managed by the Detroit Zoo. Probably had baby elephants at Belle Isle and moved them to the Zoo in Royal Oak as they grew up if they didn't get moved elsewhere sooner." // Jim Alexander Studbook Entry The North American Regional Studbook only lists a single elephant residing at Belle Isle, a male named Johnny with a Temporary Studbook Number, Lost to Follow-up and little information provided.

All other Detroit-located elephants are listed as the Detroit Zoo with no differentiation made between Royal Oak or Belle Isle. Former elephant house in the 1940s Photo Courtesy of AsianElephant.net Mary and Mona Mary and Mona, two elephants mentioned previously in the Firma Ruhe Studbook Mysteries article, arrived at the Belle Isle Detroit Zoo in July 1947. It is unknown when they were relocated to Ruhe, thus also unknown whether they were in Detroit's ownership during the 1956 zoo relocation. Suki According to information provided by Jim Alexander and Wade Burck, the young female Asian elephant Suki was only located at the Belle Isle Children's Zoo before she was sold to private owners Paul and Dorothy Kelly in 1969. This is one confirmed needed correction for studbook records, in addition to Mary and Mona's arrival to the Belle Isle-located Detroit Zoo in 1947, rather than the Royal Oak location.

This discovery is referenced on Wade Burck's "Circus No-Spin Zone." Anne Hutton with elephant at zoo, circa 1925 Photo Courtesy of Robin Hutton, Flickr.com Inquiry and Response "G'day Robin, I was wondering if you knew which Zoo this Asian female lived in and what her name was? I am one of several Elephant people around the world that collect info and photos of elephants in captivity. Looking forward to hearing from you! Happy Days." // Wayne The Retired Wanderin Elephant Man "These were found among a great pile of my mums photos. Nothing written on them but at that age she lived in Dublin." // Robin Hutton Possible solution If this picture were taken at the Dublin Zoo in Ireland, the EAZA-EEP Asian Elephant Studbook only lists one possible elephant residing at the zoo during this time frame. Listed without a name, the female arrived in February 1912 from London.

No further information is given and she is listed as "Lost to Follow-up." 06 Nov 1911 - LONDON RP 27 Feb 1912 - DUBLIN - Lost to Follow-up Jonas Livet's AsianElephant.net states a female elephant named Sandari resided at the zoo alone from 1912 to 1927. In 1927, she was joined by an unnamed elephant that died the same year. A replacement was acquired in 1929, named Dangiri Amma. Sandari died the following year in 1930. Request for Information The estimate regarding the EEP studbook's unnamed elephant and Livet's 'Sandari' are solely based on the photograph owner's statement of her mother residing in Dublin at the time. Any information that could lead to the positive identification of this animal (in addition to further information regarding the lost Dublin elephant) would be greatly appreciated to complete elephant records and to satisfy the inquiries of Peter Dickinson, Wayne Jackson and ShowMe Elephants. George, Tulsa Zoo The Tulsa Zoo presents a display in their elephant building for news articles, stemming many decades, relating to their elephant program.

Through referencing these articles and conversations with elephant personnel, the following information was discovered regarding George, a young male Asian elephant belonging to the institution. Don Meyer originally purchased the five year old male elephant from Morgan Berry for The Ranch. The Ranch, located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, was originally a facility for the mentally handicapped. Meyer was responsible for forming a zoo through the organization before founding his own entity, Jo-Don Farms. The animal's namesake was George Spiedel, director of the Milwaukee Zoo with whom Meyer had worked with as elephant consultant to the institution. The Tulsa Zoo later acquired George by trading to the Ranch Zoo three recently born tiger cubs; the Ranch Zoo planned to sell the animals for fund raising. Don Meyer was attempting to build an elephant breeding program at the Tulsa Zoo with the acquisition of their first male elephant. At nine and a half years old, George was found dead. A necropsy found internal bleeding near his heart; his body was buried. He had previously mated with Tooma but no pregnancy occurred.

Former Tulsa Zoo elephant exhibit, late-1980s Photo Courtesy of M Easley Records Point Defiance Zoo I The Port Defiance Zoo describes themselves as a "national leader in handling elephants considered too dangerous to be kept and trained using traditional methods." They acquired Hanako in December 1997 from the Portland Zoo because of her "unpredictable and moody" disposition. There she joined Suki and Cindy. Suki had arrived in March 1996 from Dickerson Park Zoo after she slammed a keeper against a wall. Cindy was the zoo's first "troubled" elephant, arriving in February 1992 with a history of grabbing and biting people. In August 2005, Bamboo arrived from the Woodland Park Zoo after being unable to cohabitate with the younger elephants and calf. However, she was unable to be integrated into the group and was returned to her previous home ten months later. Cindy Cindy was first imported to the Port Defiance Zoo in 1964 at three years old. The 18 year old elephant was transferred in December 1982 to the San Diego to be bred with the Wild Animal Park's bull elephant, Ranchipur.

After attacking a keeper at the park in 1989 she was temporarily relocated to the Portland Zoo before she could reg ressto Washington. Upon her return in 1992, the Tacoma zoo had built a $2.3 million new elephant barn and habitat. They also established a protected contact management program to accommodate her. Following her death in November 2002, controversy surrounded the disposal of the 40 old elephant after she was buried at a local landfill rather than cremating the 8000 pound animal as planned. In February 2003, the Point Defiance rededicated the elephant barn in her memory. Hanako Hanako was the fourth elephant born at Washington Park Zoo, nine days after her half-brother Dino. Breeding bull Thonglaw sired the first calf for dam Tuy Hoa. By the time she was 19, Hanako had given birth to four calves, though only Sabu lived longer than two months. She spent the first 34 years of her life at the zoo where she was born, sans a 16 month breeding loan to the Los Angeles Zoo with half-sister Me-Tu.

Both elephants were bred by their half-brother Packy (all three elephants sired by Thonglaw). Two months before their return, Me-Tu gave birth. One month after their return, Hanako gave birth to a calf as well. Hanako at the Portland Zoo, August 1994 Photo Courtesy of M Easley Records San Diego Zoo Safari Park Map From the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Official Facebook page: Our spiffy new map, along with our new wayfinding system, will make navigation throughout the Park a lot easier. Thanks to our talented design team for a job well done. Check it out: From the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Website: If you would like to see elephants, you can travel to Africa, of course, but the easiest way to observe these mighty creatures is to come to the Safari Park! We have two large exhibit yards for our African elephant herd. The adults were rescued from Swaziland in 2003, where they were scheduled to be killed due to overpopulation in that area. Since then, we’ve celebrated the births of several new additions!

From the Elephant Overlook at the north end of Elephant Valley, you can view the elephant barns and holding yards, where the elephants go in the mornings when the keepers are cleaning the spacious main yards and hiding treats for the elephants to discover. Elephants enjoy a dip in a pool of water, or at least like to get their feet wet. The large pond, shaded with trees, is for our elephants to do just that, and you can observe the action from the Elephant Viewing Patio, located at the south end of Elephant Valley. There are also shade structures made of simulated rock and plenty of room to roam. Our youngsters are especially fun to watch as they splash about or cavort in one of the mud holes. In fact, the little calves seem to entertain guests no matter what they’re up to! When not at the Park, be sure to watch our elephants on Elephant Cam. The Elephant Commentator -> Longleat Safari Park UK Member No.: 1 Joined: 28-August 11 ANNE UPDATE: Anne's had a great summer this year and grown in confidence as she has now explored just about every bit of her haven!

She's made full use of her grass paddock which has enabled her to walk all the way to the boarder of her haven that neighbours the Big Game Reserve. As many of you will know when Anne first arrived with us she was temporarily housed in the Rhino House but though she could see, smell and even hear the Rhino�s they were never mixed. Recently one of our keepers snapped some great shots in the Big Game Reserve that show Anne and our rhinos closer together than ever before. Anne's been spending the summer eating her favourite snack (freshly cut maize) and occasionally even sleeping outside. Experiences like this showcase just how much Anne�s confidence has improved and the varied scents and smells provide her with great mental stimulation. -------------------- The global zoo industry, of which Cincinnati and others are leading members, consumes billions of dollars every year while the conservation movement is crying out for a fraction of that kind of funding to address the habitat and species crisis that now confronts tens of thousands of species.

Will Travers, CEO & President of BFF Foundation & BornFreeUSA Posted: Jan 14 2016, 10:45 AM Advanced Member Joined: 30-August 11 Concern is still being voiced that ANN remains alone. Thanks to the advocates for ANN for reminding us of this article of 7 March 2014: Elephant saved from horrific cruelty now faces old-age alone as Longleat ban friends ... it looks like poor Anne is destined to spend the rest of her old age alone as Longleat have decided to keep her in comfortable but solitary confinement. A spokesman for the park told The Times: "It was in the best interest of Anne's health, due to her age for her not to have a companion ..." -------------------- "They need to move and have stimulation. They need to be browsing, foraging, socialising. They need to have reason for movement." Pat Derby, PAWS, on elephants' needs.

Posted: Feb 20 2016, 05:16 PM Administrator Member No.: 1 Joined: 28-August 11 The elephant who will never forget your kindness: How Anne the abused circus elephant is a happy old lady at last - thanks to Mail readers' jumbo generosity Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook -------------------- The global zoo industry, of which Cincinnati and others are leading members, consumes billions of dollars every year while the conservation movement is crying out for a fraction of that kind of funding to address the habitat and species crisis that now confronts tens of thousands of species. Will Travers, CEO & President of BFF Foundation & BornFreeUSA Posted: Mar 5 2016, 05:14 PM Administrator Member No.: 1 Joined: 28-August 11 From circus cruelty to Longleat luxury - the heartwarming story of Anne the Elephant is now a book The new book, called Saving Anne the Elephant: The True Story of the Last British Circus Elephant, explains how the indoor part of the mansion is heated to a constant 18 deg C, with skylights ensuring it's always light.

Follow us: @WesternDaily on Twitter | WesternDaily on Facebook -------------------- The global zoo industry, of which Cincinnati and others are leading members, consumes billions of dollars every year while the conservation movement is crying out for a fraction of that kind of funding to address the habitat and species crisis that now confronts tens of thousands of species. Will Travers, CEO & President of BFF Foundation & BornFreeUSA Posted: Mar 22 2016, 02:34 AM Advanced Member Joined: 30-August 11 2 June 2016 ... ANN back in the "circus"? Glastonbury Festival to MOVE from Worthy Farm after 46 years to Marquess of Bath's Longleat estate by 2019 A concerned advocate for ANN contacted Longleat Here is the zoo's response - for what it is worth: Reply from Longleat to my question about Glastonbury festival Longleat Hi All, just to clarify - we have talked with the Glastonbury Festival team on a very, very preliminary level, but it�s purely speculative at this time.

The organisers are looking for a new site for the festival for a single year at some point over the next few years. We don�t have anything else to add at this time. Rest assured our residents are always ever our primary concern. The Longleat Team -------------------- "They need to move and have stimulation. They need to be browsing, foraging, socialising. They need to have reason for movement." Pat Derby, PAWS, on elephants' needs. Posted: Jun 7 2016, 10:10 AM Advanced Member Joined: 28-August 11 Group says Anne the elephant needs a friend A GROUP campaigning for an elephant that was given a new home at Longleat after being rescued from the circus to have a companion campaigned outside the safari park on Sunday. -------------------- The global zoo industry, of which Cincinnati and others are leading members, consumes billions of dollars every year while the conservation movement is crying out for a fraction of that kind of funding to address the habitat and species crisis that now confronts tens of thousands of species.

Will Travers, CEO & President of BFF Foundation & BornFreeUSA Posted: Jul 16 2016, 02:24 AM Advanced Member Joined: 30-August 11 We understand from a reliable Facebook (although we do not know at first hand) that Jon Cracknell, veterinarian and pathologist, who has looked after ANNE since she arrived at Longleat in April 2011, has left Longleat Safari Park/Zoo and is now self-employed. This development may shed some light on the appointment of the unnamed experienced British veterinarian who has particular expertise working with a lone female Asian elephant who is going to Edmonton Zoo in Canada to assess lone, ageing female Asian elephant LUCY. That news was posted on TEC Facebook on 16 July 2016. Note: For information about LUCY, please see this link (3 pages): -------------------- "They need to move and have stimulation. They need to be browsing, foraging, socialising. They need to have reason for movement." Pat Derby, PAWS, on elephants' needs.

Posted: Aug 24 2016, 01:32 AM Advanced Member Elephant Free Dane Elephant Ban Decision Postponed The Dane County Public Works and Transportation Committee met Tuesday, February 21, in closed session to discuss legal issues regarding the proposed ban on elephant acts at Dane County's Alliant Energy Center. No public comment was taken. Following the session, the Committee voted unanimously for an indefinite postponement. This was expected. The matter is very much still alive and will be revisited in May. Stay tuned. It is still beneficial to periodically remind your Supervisor to support this ban. Always include your name and address. For information or talking points visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to read the most common questions about the use of elephants in circuses and what a ban would mean to Dane County. There is no reason not to contact the comittee members listed below, if you haven't already done so, to let them know that you support the ban. Robin Schmidt - Chair schmidt.robin@countyofdane.com Breaking News for Circus World Elephant As you may know, Circus World located in Baraboo, WI, contracts their elephant acts. In 2011, they contracted the Leibel Family Circus.

The Leibel Family Circus forces Nosey the solitary elephant perform and give rides. Following many complaints by IDA over the past several years regarding Nosey , the USDA has filed a Complaint against Nosey’s exhibitor Hugo Liebel alleging numerous willful violations of the Animal Welfare Act. These include repeated noncompliance with the veterinary care, handling, housing and husbandry requirements: in all, some 25 violations over a period from early 2007 to early 2011. These are grave violations, the possible penalties for which include fines and suspension or revocation of Liebel’s license to exhibit animals. B ig- Top Ban: New Bill Seeks to Put End to Aniamal Circuses YouTube Video On Wednesday, former Price Is Right host and animal activist Bob Barker appeared on Capitol Hill alongside Virginia Representative James P. Moran, CSI actress Jorja Fox and animal rights groups to show support for new legislation that would ban exotic animals from traveling circuses. The proposed Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act , which was introduced in Congress on Wednesday by Rep.

Moran, would amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the use of non-domesticated animals, such as Asian elephants, lions, bears and tigers, in traveling circuses and exhibitions — lives in which animals are often subjected to a number of hardships, according to animal rights advocates. “Americans are becoming increasingly aware that circus animals suffer from violent training techniques and severe confinement,” Barker said in a statement regarding the legislation. “Big, wild animals should not be part of the traveling circus and simply put, animal acts in circuses are antiquated and belong in the past, in a time when humans were ignorant about the needs of the other species who share our planet.” What can you do? Help us end the use of exotic animals in traveling circuses by supporting the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act (TEAPA) Animals in Traveling Circuses - The Science on Suffering Animals in circuses belong in the past, to a time when humans were ignorant about the other species that share our planet. However, over the past one hundred years human understanding has grown – science can now tell us about the intelligence of other species, their means of communication, toolmaking, culture, family bonds and emotions.

Psychological, behavioural and environmental studies have helped us understand their world. With this greater knowledge of the capacity for suffering in our fellow creatures who share this earth, it is no longer acceptable for us to abuse animals in circuses, just for our entertainment. It is not the behaviour of a civilized, advanced society. ADI partner organizations have studied circuses all over the world. We observe how animals live, how they are trained, and importantly, the attitudes of the workers. We have gathered extensive observational data and videotape. Our studies have concluded that life for animals in circuses is one of deprivation and suffering – they are deprived of everything that makes their life fulfilling. Circus animals are taken away from their family groups, forced to do tricks that they do not want to do; forced to live in tiny, barren cages where they have to eat, sleep, and defecate all in the same space, or spend a large part of their day tied on short ropes. These animal care practices are common throughout the worldwide industry. In addition, circus animals are frequently kicked, punched, whipped and beaten to make them obey. Such treatment of defenceless animals degrades our society. Please read Animals in Traveling Circuses - The Science on Suffering .

A discussion of the scientific evidence on animal suffering in captivity and transport, and a study of the use of animals in circuses in the U.S. Bristol Renaissance Faire This summer, ELF learned that the Bristol Renaissance Faire contracts Elephant Walk Inc. to provide forced elephant rides to faire-goers. The two elephants, Topsy and Annette Marie travel across the county with Frank Murray, owner of Elephant Walk. ELF contacted Division of Animal Health Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to confirm that Elephant Walk Inc. provided the proper import paperwork and a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) required to import elephants to Wisconsin. Elephant Walk Inc. did not provide this information to DATCP. Unfortunately, circuses and other traveling shows police themselves and are responsible for providing this information to DATCP. Thankfully, DATCP issues a warning to the Bristol Renaissance Faire and Elephant Walk Inc. for not providing this required information. Unfortunately, the CVI provides information that the required vaccinations or tests were performed to ensure that the elephants are fit to travel and that the elephants are not carrying Tuberculosis or other diseases. What can you do? Don't go to the Renaissance Faire.

Contact the Entertainment director Kristen Mansour at 847-395-7773 x 231 to ask her not to allow elephant rides at the Renaissance Faire. Riding sick and abused elephants is dangerous! _________________________________________________________________ We are urging everyone to boycott the film Zookeeper. Recently, Animal Defenders International (ADI) released video showing Tai, the elephant actor in Zookeeper and Water for Elephants, being hit and electric shocked by her trainers at Have Trunk Will Travel. Abuse in this industry is NOT isolated and continues for these beautiful animals. Performing animals have no place in films and TV commercials as they are trained through pain and fear of further punishment, rather than a natural willingness to obey. Other issues of this film include the death of the giraffe, who collapsed and died the day after his last scene filmed in this movie. What You Can Do Please help end the suffering at Have Trunk Will Travel. Speak up for Tai! See the attachment sample letters at then end of this page provided by ADI. Help spread the word. Tell others why they should not see this film.

Water for Elephants Tai (aka Rosie) the elephant that performs in this film was born in Asia in 1968 and transferred to Lion Country Safari Inc, Florida, a drive through zoo. Tai transferred to Have a Trunk Will Travel, Inc. (Gary and Kari Johnson) on May 1, 1978. Have a Trunk Will Travel, Inc. makes their money off of elephants by making the elephants give rides, renting the elephants out for special events, religious ceremonies, commercials and movies, and breeding their elephants. Have a trunk has 23 elephants that have been euthanized, relocated to zoos, and sanctuaries. You can read a Flora’s story, one of the Have a Trunk elephant that was transferred to the Tennessee Sanctuary here . Ruby another Have a Trunk elephant was sold to a circus where she was forced to perform. Ruby also spent some time in zoos. Please read Ruby’s story . Gary and Kari Johnson (Have a Trunk owners) have close ties with Ringling. They both testified in the Ringling lawsuit as witnesses for Ringling. They have done lobbing work on behalf of elephant exhibitions and have also acted as inspectors for the Ringling Circus.

Gary Johnson is on the board of International Elephant foundation and has been part of the AZA Elephant Task Force. Good thing we have them making up the rules too! Read Ringling testimony . Quote from the book: August's mistreatment of Marlena pales beside the visceral wallop of his nonchalant cruelty toward Rosie: "I look up just as he flicks the cigarette. It arcs through the air and lands in Rosie's open mouth, sizzling as it hits her tongue. She roars, panicked, throwing her head and fishing inside her mouth with her trunk. August marches off. I turn back to Rosie. She stares at me, a look of unspeakable sadness on her face. Her amber eyes are filled with tears." _________________________________________________________________ Boycott Shrine Circus Madison Every year the Zor Shriners contract the George Carden International Circus to perform at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Proceeds benefit the Shrine Center and not the children’s hospital. Like most circuses, the George Carden Circus has a long list of non compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.

Please support Alliance for Animals in their request for Dane County to adopt an elephant-free policy barring elephant acts and the exhibition of live elephants in facilities owned or operated by Dane County. You can sign our petition here . PicasaWeb Slideshow Contact Elephants Living Free is a project of Alliance For Animals, a non-profit 501(c)3 animal rights organization. ELF was created to educate others about the exploitation of elephants for commercial gain. ELF believes that elephants should be able to live with dignity and freedom in a peaceful environment. ELF makes every attempt to provide accurate information to the public, and to advocate for the dignified treatment of elephant through their volunteers. Alliance for Animals Zoo News Digest: Anne the Last British Circus Elephant - What Next? Anne the Last British Circus Elephant - What Next? Elephants at Whipsnade Photo by: I was absolutely delighted to learn yesterday that ‘Anne’ the elephant was to be relocated. To Whipsnade Zoo it would seem as they were quick to step in and offer a home. The thoughts that ran through my head at the time were. Excellent facilities, highly experienced caring staff, a good age range mix of companion elephants, highly professional veterinary back up and more. Ideal it would seem.

Now it seems unlikely. Now I will say at this point that I have nothing especially against Longleat Safari Park, or its facilities, its expertise or its staff. They used to have elephants… they don’t any longer. Longleat have now apparently stepped in (and I take all the following information from the Daily Mail for Wednesday March 30, 2011) and offered a home. “And on Sunday, secret discussions between the owners and officials from the 900-acre wildlife park began” Secret discussions? Why? Why secret? Does this mean that some sort of financial arrangement is being entered into? This animal, ‘Anne’ should be confiscated. As Whipsnade had already offered a home…and Longleat already knew that so why had they stepped in? Call me a cynic but is it just possibly because there would be a huge spike in visitor numbers over Easter if Longleat were to acquire her? I have no doubt whatsoever that Longleat are in a position to offer a good home and would pull out all stops to ensure she gets one but I do question as to whether it is the right move. So where do we think she is going to go?

“Jan Creamer, of the ADI, said that she would be happy for Anne to be rehomed in a safari park or sanctuary as long as she could be in the company of other elephants. ‘We will be delighted if Anne can be moved quickly to somewhere with the facilities for vets and other specialists to improve her health. ‘However, this should be temporary while she is assessed for a permanent home where she can be with other elephants,’ she added.” Please note that statement “rehomed in a safari park or sanctuary”. There is no way that Ms Creamer is going to entertain a Zoo. Zoos, Good zoos are the real sanctuaries. It is just a name thing . It would “be temporary while she is assessed for a permanent home” strongly suggests to me that Longleat would be her choice irrespective of the fact that she said “as long as she could be in the company of other elephants” because Longleat have already stated that they would build a modern elephant house and introduce other rescued elephants (from where?). The RSPCA too “The RSPCA also gave its support.

It said: ‘We visited Anne with a vet to examine her and talk to her owners about the possibility of living out her last days in a sanctuary or safari park. ‘In the meantime we will be monitoring Anne to ensure her safety and wellbeing.’” There again, no mention of the word ‘zoo’ – “out her last days in a sanctuary or safari park.” Then there is CAPS “ Liz Tyson, of the Captive Animals’ Protection Society, added: ‘Whilst we are wholly opposed to the keeping of any animal in captivity, we recognise that, under these very specific circumstances, a safari park might offer her some opportunities that she currently does not have, such as the ability to form part of a social group and a wider area in which to roam.’” Again no mention of the word zoo, it is “safari park” once again. Not that it has any great bearing but I wonder if they know that the Safari Park concept including Longleat was dreamed up by Jimmy Chipperfield of the Chipperfield circus empire.

Actually CAPS is caught in a bit of a corner on this one as on their website it is stated: "If Anne were to be sent to a safari park, we would insist that she is given the opportunity to live out her days away from the public gaze and, as such, should be provided with a true “retirement”. This should be adhered to even if not in keeping with the normal practices of the zoo; the emphasis must be on making her last years as stress-free and fulfilled as possible" (Wow...the zoo word) Now that IS cruel. An animal that has spent her entire life in the company of people is to be moved out of "public gaze". It would, I am sure not fit in too well with Longleat's plans either. Back to the Daily Mail: And where does the 900 acres come in? Mentioned a few times in the article to conjure up visions of ‘Anne’ trundling along happily in all this space. It is not going to happen. ‘Anne’ is arthritic, space in terms of area does not come into it. It is quality of space, caring and companionship.

There is another statement which greatly disturbs me “Despite a generous offer from Whipsnade to provide a home for the elephant, experts felt that her old age and arthritis meant that it would not be in her best interests to be in the zoo’s herd with young calves.” Balderdash! Just who are these ‘experts’? This is yet again a small group of people with a particular anti-zoo agenda in mind. They know, if they would admit it, that in actual fact the very best thing for ‘Anne’ is for her to join a group of mixed age animals. It would give her a new lease of life. I don’t profess to be an expert on anything. I know a little bit about a lot of things and a bit more about some than others. I have worked hands on and had extremely good relationships with a number of elephants. I have spent hours with them, slept with them, known every inch of their vast bodies. I have loved and trusted them and had the same in return. If that gives me any tiny bit of expertise at all then I say that Whipsnade would be my first choice and I feel sure that if ‘Anne’ had any say in the matter she would agree with me.

The Video (contains scenes of violence) *** Longleat Safari & Adventure Park - Longleat news #4 | ZooChat Chester - UK The following statement was released on Longleat's Facebook today regarding the planned Elephant Sanctuary: Under new management Longleat Safari & Adventure Park is conducting a review of all current and future projects. As part of this review we are bringing in expertise from third parties to look at the wider Estate. The elephant sanctuary forms part of the review and Longleat wants to look at what is best for Anne, best for the elephants that will potentially come here and what is the best use of the money and resources kindly donated to Longleat for this project. We are taking a much more professional and objective view with the aim to future proof the elephant sanctuary and ensuring it meets all of its objectives. We recognise the need for an elephant sanctuary in Europe and we are committed to developing this concept: however this project is not just for Anne but other elephants in similar situations and we need to ensure that once built it can deliver on its promises, its full potential and ensure the long term welfare for elephants in need. Longleat is currently in the process of organising a workshop with elephant experts covering a range of fields.

This workshop will endeavour to bring together the stakeholders that have been on board with the project since its conception as well as introducing new individuals with recommendations on best practice to ensure that we can deliver the best in elephant medicine, rehabilitation and husbandry for elephants in need. We will be looking at all the options available to us and base our decisions on evidence based best current practice in combination with expert advice on elephant natural history and biology. Jon Cracknell, Director of Animal Operations, said, “Longleat is committed to the long term care of Anne and continues to work hard to ensure she has the best opportunities available to her considering her health. We understand people’s frustration in that Anne doesn’t have a new facility as yet, we just want to make sure when she does it meets her needs and those of her kin that need help or a new home to see out their days. An elephant sanctuary should be just that: a sanctuary based on the values and ethics that are recognised by our colleagues in the USA “If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me.

Because humans want to save things that they love.” - Steve Irwin Britain's last circus elephant Anne signed up for a new life at sanctuary as diggers move in to create her home | Daily Mail Online Britain's last circus elephant Anne signed up for a new life at sanctuary as diggers move in to create her home On the move: Circus elephant Anne has a new home Work has begun on Anne the circus elephant’s new home at Longleat Safari Park. As her owners prepared to sign her over to the care of Longleat and animal welfare groups, workmen and diggers moved in to prepare her new enclosure for her arrival. The move comes after the Daily Mail revealed the desperate suffering the 59-year-old elephant endured after secret footage emerged of her Romanian groom attacking her with a pitchfork. Anne will move to her new home within a week and will have three experienced elephant keepers, as well as an elephant specialist, on hand to attend to her every need. She will live with a herd of rhinos in a large purpose-built enclosure that previously housed five elephants but will have a separate area all to herself.

The ailing elephant, Europe’s oldest, will also have the run of an 80-acre enclosure and a series of paddocks and meadows, as well as water pools, if her arthritis allows. News of Anne’s imminent rehoming came as her owner, Moira Roberts, said the fallout from the shocking footage captured by Animal Defenders International (ADI) was killing the circus business she runs with her husband Bobby. She said that the couple had become national hate figures despite the fact that it was their employee Nicolae Nitu who unleashed the brutal attack on Anne. Last night, she said: ‘It’s difficult to understand why we’re portrayed as we have been over this. ‘I’m responsible for hiring and firing and I thought I was a good judge of character but I’m not. ‘This was an isolated incident and we were horrified to see one of our animals suffer like that. It’s broken my heart.’ RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share The 72-year-old also said that she and her husband loved Anne ‘like a child’ and would never do anything to hurt her. She added: ‘We will miss Anne, but we are happy she is going to a good place.

Apology: Circus owner Moira Roberts has said sorry for the treatment of Anne the elephant at the hands of groom Nicolae Nitu ‘For the last two years, we have asked many places to rehouse her. But we didn’ t get any help.’ Mrs Roberts also spoke of her fear that the business would go bust and revealed that ticket sales were down 99 per cent as protesters massed outside the circus for the second night in a row. Yesterday, security at the Bobby Roberts Super Circus, currently in Knutsford, Cheshire, was beefed up, with eight-foot high wire fences and a police presence. Officers from the National Wildlife Crime Unit also visited the circus. Jonathan Cracknell, director of animal operations at Longleat, in Wiltshire, said that following Wednesday’s successful talks, work was underway to prepare the new enclosure for Anne. He said: ‘Anne is responding well to veterinary treatment and we are hopeful that she will begin the move in the coming days. ‘But we must make clear that this must all be in her best interests, so we are taking things on a day-by-day basis and will be regularly assessing her progress.

‘While Longleat is the best place for her in the short-term, her needs may change and perhaps in the future she may go elsewhere. We are keeping all options open. ‘However, although she is progressing well, her welfare is paramount at all times and there is still a chance that we may have to put her down if her condition deteriorates.’ He added that Longleat would become Anne’s legal guardians, while an as yet unnamed animal welfare group will become her legal owners. ‘It is incredible that so many different animal welfare groups have come together to help Anne,’ he said. ‘We have been working very closely with the Roberts and they have been extremely amenable. ‘Everyone is in agreement and everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.’ Jan Creamer, ADI’s chief executive said: ‘We are extremely glad that Annie’s rescue is underway and that Mr Roberts has agreed to allow her to be relocated to Longleat. ‘Here she will be thoroughly assessed over the coming months and we would like to think that if she recovers sufficiently she could one day enjoy the company of other rescued elephants.

‘This wonderful old girl is a true survivor who spent most of her life with other elephants, so it is important for her to have the opportunity to be with other elephants again.’

Question: What was the name of the elephant that was removed from a circus and relocated in Longleat in April 2011?
Answer: ANNE